Richard Darrel Boles, Sr.

Mr. Richard Darrel Boles Sr., 87, of Pfafftown, NC, passed away peacefully at Forsyth Medical Center on October 8, 2024, surrounded by family. Born February 18, 1937, in Forsyth County, NC, to the late Spencer Oliver and Nellie Boyer Boles, Richard was known as a man with a deep voice, big eyes, a big belly and a big heart. He was a man who loved to work. He served as Chief of the Arcadia Volunteer Fire Department while working at RJ Reynolds Tobacco company, from which he retired after 34 years. During retirement, Richard drove a WSFCS school bus for approximately 24 years, including a 13-year stretch of perfect attendance. In addition to his 58 years of employment, Richard loved to build things for himself, family, friends and Macedonia Baptist Church (Tobaccoville), of which he was a member. Throughout his life, he built rabbit cages, chicken coops, furniture, sheds, buildings, and even his home. In recent years, he enjoyed watching Atlanta Braves baseball games. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William “Billy” and Spencer “Junior” Boles; and a sister, Jane Stimson. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Glenda, who faithfully cared for him during years of declining health; and a sister, Janet Miller (Bob) of Durham. He is also survived by three children, Richard Darrel Boles Jr. (Sheila), Amy Joan Hatcher and Mark Shane Hatcher (Sabrina); five grandchildren, Darrel Boles, Laura Boyd, Stephen Harper, Lane Hatcher and Emily Hatcher; three great-grandchildren, Kendall, Alexis and Serenity; along with several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 2pm Friday, October 11, 2024, at Hayworth-Miller Rural Hall Chapel with Pastor Derrick Hinson officiating. The family will receive friends the hour prior, from 1 to 2pm, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Macedonia Baptist Church.